DOMESTIC ABUSE AND VETERINARY INITIATIVE

Domestic Abuse Veterinary Initiative (DAVI)

Read an article from the British Veterinary Association about DAVI here

 Our new initiative DAVI follows on from the success of MAV’s domestic abuse dental initiative, which has so far seen around 500 dentists trained across Scotland.

MAV founder Dr Christine Goodall said:

“Like doctors and dentists, vets often build strong relationships with clients over years of visits. This makes them ideally placed to spot signs of abuse not only in an animal but also in their owner. Yet on the whole, like dentists, vets are unprepared for this situation. The training we are offering helps them take advantage of a “golden moment” to intervene and help.”

Research and clinical evidence increasingly suggests links between the abuse of children, vulnerable adults and animals.

Dr Freda Scott-Park chairman of the Links Group and British Veterinary Association past-President, said:

“Over the years we’ve seen a growing number of cases where animals have been used as a way of manipulating and controlling victims of domestic abuse. The threat or actual abuse of a pet can often prevent women from leaving situations of domestic abuse. By training vets to be aware of the signs of animal and domestic abuse, we can hopefully support those who are suffering towards getting help.

Read more in our DAVI practice note here

and in the Links Group Guidance Domcument of Veterinary Surgeons and other Veterinary Employees here

Read an article from the British Veterinary Association about DAVI here